Current Trends in International Arbitration: Insights from Practitioners
In a recent Platforum9 session, international arbitration experts discussed the evolving landscape of dispute resolution, focusing on ongoing cases related to the Ukraine conflict and significant reform proposals reshaping investment arbitration. This article summarises key insights shared by Matej Pustay, a partner at Squire Patton Boggs, and Velimir Zivkovic, alongside other colleagues, regarding current trends […]
Navigating Your Career in Big Law: Insights from Perkins Coie’s Ian Bagshaw and Natalie Thomas
Last week,n a recent Platforum9 session concluding a week focused on legal careers, Ian Bagshaw, Managing Partner at Perkins Coie London, and Co-Moderator Natalie Thomas, Legal Business Analyst, shared valuable perspectives on navigating careers in Big Law. Drawing from Bagshaw’s extensive experience across firms including Eversheds, Clifford Chance, Linklaters, and White & Case, alongside Thomas’s […]
Essential Legal Tech Skills for Today’s Lawyers
During our Student Career Sessions last week, Nick Kosloff from Bird & Bird’s London office who specialises in employee incentives and benefits, shared his insights on the technology skills modern lawyers need to thrive in an increasingly digital legal environment. Kosloff’s perspective is particularly relevant given Bird & Bird’s long-standing reputation for innovation—a tradition dating […]
What Law Firms Are Really Looking For When Recruiting Trainees: Insights from Julian Yarr
In a Platforum9 Session last week focused on law students and early career pathways, Julian Yarr, former Managing Partner of leading Irish law firm A&L Goodbody, shared invaluable insights on what law firms truly seek when recruiting trainees. Drawing from his twelve years of experience leading a major firm and his current perspective serving on […]
Embracing AI in Legal Recruitment: How Candidates Can Leverage Technology for Success
In a recent Platforum9 session for aspiring lawyers, Samantha Hope, Head of Emerging Talent at national law firm Shoosmiths, shared valuable insights on how AI is transforming the legal recruitment landscape. With nearly 15 years of experience overseeing trainee solicitor and solicitor apprentice programmes, Hope offered a refreshingly progressive perspective on how candidates can ethically […]
Building Your LinkedIn Professional Presence
Yesterday, Helen Burness, a seasoned legal marketing expert with experience at major firms including Eversheds and founder of the collective She Breaks the Law, shared her insights and views on how legal professionals—particularly those early in their careers—can effectively leverage LinkedIn. Drawing from her extensive experience developing both individual and company brands through the platform, […]
Navigating the SQE: Expert Insights on Preparation for Aspiring Solicitors
In a recent Platforum9 session for law students and early career professionals, Claire Flores, Head of Student Sales at Barbri SQE Prep, shared comprehensive insights on preparing for the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE). As the legal profession adapts to this relatively new qualification route, understanding the structure, requirements, and preparation options has become essential for […]
Interview Prep Techniques
In yesterday’s Platforum9 Session for law students and early career professionals, Andre McClean, a legal recruitment specialist with over 10 years of experience in London’s competitive legal market, shared some valuable insights on preparing for training contract interviews. Drawing from both his expertise as a headhunter and his personal journey from student to Magic Circle […]
Securing Your Training Contract in the UK & Ireland
Session from 29th April 2025 Yesterday, Rory O’Keeffe—a seasoned legal professional with experience spanning small rural practices, corporate M&A, energy and construction law, in-house roles, and partnership at a top Irish firm—shared his guidance on navigating the highly competitive training contract process, now in full swing. Drawing from his extensive career journey that culminated in […]
Mastering Your Elevator Pitch: Tips & Tricks for Law Students and Early Career Lawyers
In the first Session of its type, Patricia Gannon, former lawyer, law firm and Platforum9 founder, shared her insights on crafting an effective elevator pitch—a crucial skill for law students and early career lawyers navigating the competitive legal job market. In opening the curated Sessions for law students this week, the attendees got to practice […]